On Friday 11 November, Claremont Fan Court School marked Remembrance Day and 40 years since the Falklands War with a special Senior School service. Claremont was privileged to host Mayor Councillor Simon Waugh at the event along with attendees including school governors, the headmaster and the entire Senior School.

Headmaster, William Brierly said ‘We will always remember those who gave their lives to defend the freedoms we have today’ and in relation to the Falklands War ‘We remember the late Queen herself had a son fighting in the war, it reminds us that every soldier, sailor, fighter-pilot had people elsewhere that loved them and feared for their safety – with some, ultimately, mourning their loss.’

The service included moving string and vocal musical performances, notably Rishi B played a wonderful solo violin rendition of ‘Adagio’ by Samuel Barber, Sasha L B sang ‘Empty chairs at empty tables’ from ‘Les Misérables’ and Isabella L sang a powerful performance of ‘From a Distance’ by Bette Midler. Pupils also performed a moving, dramatised poetry ensemble of ‘Train’ by Helen MacKay. Two minutes of silence was poignantly finished with Finlay W playing ‘The Last Post’ on the trumpet.

After the service, Mayor Councillor Simon Waugh, William Brierly, headmaster and the head students Matt R and Tara MG laid a wreath outside the Claremont mansion building. Representatives from Claremont will also attend An Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Esher Green on Sunday, followed by the main service in Christ Church.

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